Process and Acquisition of Literacy

This course is designed to provide teacher candidates and in-service teachers with the foundations related to literacy processes and acquisition. Effective literacy teaching begins with a deep understanding of the component processes associated with reading and writing and the ways that students develop into skilled and motivated readers and writers. The course is organized along five major themes: the component processes involved in reading and writing, the nature and structure of the English language, the ways that native English speakers and English learners differ in how they read and write, the developmental phases associated with learning to read and write for native English speakers and English learners, and the many factors that influence literacy development. Where appropriate, students in this course will also explore how to assess literacy processes and acquisition. Course offered every fall, spring and may be offered during additional sessions.